Kamakura Museum: A Winter Tradition Preserved

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Experience Yokote's 450-year-old Kamakura tradition year-round! Explore snow houses, culture, and local specialties in this Akita gem.

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Kamakura Museum

The Kamakura Museum in Yokote, Akita, offers a year-round glimpse into the region's famous winter tradition. See preserved kamakura (snow houses) and learn about their cultural significance.

A brief summary to Kamakura Museum

8-12 Chuomachi, Yokote, Chuomachi, Akita, 013-0023, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kamakura Museum.

Visit during the weekday for a less crowded experience.
Rent a 'donbuku,' a traditional cotton-filled robe, for a more immersive experience in the Kamakura Room.
Check out the Yokote City Tourist Association office within the museum for local information.

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Getting There

Walking

From Yokote Station, the Kamakura Museum is approximately a 10-minute walk. Exit the station from the East Exit and walk straight. The museum is located within the Fureai Center in the Chuomachi area. Look for signs directing you to the Kamakurakan.
Public Transport

From Yokote Station, you can take a route bus to the 'Yokote Byoin Mae' stop. From there, it is a short walk to the Kamakura Museum. Bus fare is approximately ¥200-300.
Taxi

A taxi from Yokote Station to the Kamakura Museum takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately ¥700-¥900. Taxis are readily available at the Yokote Station.

Discover more about Kamakura Museum

The Kamakura Museum, or Kamakurakan, in Yokote, Akita, provides a unique opportunity to experience the region's renowned Kamakura Festival any time of year. This small museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the tradition of kamakura, snow houses that are central to Yokote's winter celebrations. The highlight of the museum is the Fantasy Gallery, a room maintained at -10 degrees Celsius where a real kamakura, crafted by local artisans, is preserved. Visitors can enter the kamakura and experience the atmosphere of these traditional snow structures. The museum also offers exhibits detailing the history and cultural significance of kamakura in Yokote. The Kamakura Festival, held every February, features numerous kamakura built throughout the city. These snow houses, some large enough to enter, are dedicated to the water deity, and festival-goers offer prayers for ample water and good fortune. Inside the kamakura, children often offer visitors rice cakes and amazake, a sweet fermented rice drink. The Kamakura Museum provides a taste of this festival experience regardless of the season. Beyond the kamakura exhibit, the museum also functions as a community center, hosting a concert hall and other facilities. A shop within the museum sells local Yokote specialties, including Yokote Yakisoba. The Yokote City Tourist Association also has an office in the building, providing information for exploring the city.